Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to Professor of History and Theory of Psychology at the University of Edinburgh (and former magician) Peter Lamont to talk about his latest book Radical Thinking: How To See The Bigger Picture, which is published by Swift Press.It's a continuation of a conversation the two had at last year's Aye Write Book Festival when an hour was nowhere hear enough time to discuss this fascinating and thought-provoking book, and the ideas it proffers.Peter sets out why he wanted to write this book and its academic roots, before talking about keeping it local, referencing well-kent figures (including Arthur Conan Doyle and Houdini), and using his immediate surroundings as a starting point for his investigations. He then talks about the central ideas examined, the importance of being curious, the nature of belief, critical thinking, his interest in magic, and so much more.It was such a pleasure to be able to talk in-depth to Peter about this accessible and stimulating book, one which takes everyday scenarios to explore his theories of 'radical thinking', and which looks to the past to offer important lessons for the present.For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com

For the first Scots Whay Hae! podcast of 2026, Ali spoke to writer and musician Peter May to talk about his new album Towards The Light, but so much more.Peter admits that despite his fame as a writer of crime fiction (31 novels to date), music was always his first love (despite some painful memories of early piano lessons) and he goes on to talk about his early years playing in bands, running away to London to make their fame and fortune, and just what the musical landscape was like at the time.He then talks about the new album, the musicians he has collaborated with, why now was the time to make it, musical influences, and what the future holds.The two then discuss some of the themes of the album, the difference between writing songs and writing fiction, and how Peter came to the crime genre.Peter May is one of best known and celebrated crime writers around, but his musical side has remained mostly unknown until now, and it was fascinating to be able to talk to him about that side of his creative life. If you thought you knew about Peter May, think again.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast, and the last of our Best of 2025 pods, Ali is joined once more by regulars Chris Ward and a returning Wesley Shearer to talk all things film, or at least to talk about their films of the year.Once again picking five each, they share their enthusiasm for the movies you may have missed first time around, and we’re sure you’ll find something to tickle your fancy.There are favourite directors, dazzling debuts, documentaries, legends on screen and off, laughs, tears, and some sensational swearing.The reason for our Best Of 2025 podcasts is the hope you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself, and this movie chat offers plenty of choice.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

For our latest roundup of 2025 we look at the year in music, with Ali joined once again by musician and righteous supporter of Scottish music, Gefahrgeist's Fiona Liddell. As is now customary, they each pick 10 tracks to discuss which have left their mark over the last 12 months.As they make clear, they could easily have picked many, many, more examples from what was another incredible year for Scottish music, (and on another day possibly would), but we hope you enjoy their musical musings, meanderings, and memories.There's a Spotify playlist where you can listen to all the songs Fiona and Ali talk about, and if you like what you hear then please explore further, follow, and support the bands, musicians, artists, and labels involved. The reason for our Best Of 2025 podcasts is the hope you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself, and this music chat offers plenty of choice.For full details, including all the ways to listen (and the playlist), head over to scotswhayhae.com

For this, the inaugural Scots Whay Hae! Best Crime Fiction podcast Ali was joined by writer Callum McSorley to talk about some of the best books published this year, and to take a look at what's coming in 2026.Each picking six of their favourites, the chat turns to great debuts, superb sequels, welcome returns, award winners, new voices, whisky, weekenders, even werewolves, and so much more! Callum is always great to talk to (check out his appearance on the SWH! podcast from earlier this year) and this was a highly enjoyable conversation about a genre of Scottish writing which continues to go from strength to strength.The reason for our Best Of 2025 podcasts is the hope you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself, and this crime chat offers plenty of choice.Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

As is traditional, the first of our Best of 2025 podcasts is all about books, when once again Ali is joined by Publishing Scotland's Vikki Reilly to talk about the standouts of the year, and to give a heads up as to what's coming in 2026.The two talk fantastic fiction, non-fiction, plenty of prose, and even a little poetry. There are debuts to Last Words, complicated families, celebrations of friendships, love, loss, what it means to be alive, examinations of the ancient world right up to the present day, and so much more, and we're certain you'll hear about something you'd like to investigate yourself.Always a SWH! highlight of the year, the aim of this podcast is to reflect, and celebrate, another exceptional 12 months in Scottish writing. It may be our longest podcast of the year, but it's always one of the best...For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com And don’t forget to check out the Books from Scotland website for more of the best of Scottish books.

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to theatre director and producer David Hewitson who is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Theatre 118, a new fringe venue dedicated to grassroots, DIY and emerging theatre makers.David gave some background to Theatre 118, where they are based and why, and what their aims are.The two then talk about the work of the Outer Spaces charity and the work they do, before discussing the importance of place more widely, and the history of independent and grassroots theatre in Glasgow.David explains how he came to be involved in theatre, and what it was which attracted him to start Theatre 118, who else is involved and the importance of collaboration, before he goes through some of the shows they have put on to date, and what's coming in the future - including the forthcoming panto Jack & the Privately Owned Beanstalk.Theatre 118 is the latest in the long and fine tradition of DIY small theatre producers and makers, and this conversation with David is the perfect place to get acquainted and learn how to get involved.For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to returning guest, writer Tom Brogan to talk all about his latest book Dalglish: The Fifty Matches That Made the Player which is published by Pitch Publishing.This was a real treat for Ali as Kenny Dalglish is his first, and arguably greatest, hero, and the two talked about what the player, and the man, means to them both (and they are remarkably similar stories).Tom then sets out the structure of the book, the inspiration behind wanting to write it, the research involved, and why the timing of publication was perfect.Ali then picks 10 matches/chapters to discuss to try and give an overview of the book, the stories told, and give part of the picture of the man himself from schools and amateur days, through his time at Celtic, the move to Liverpool, European success, playing for Scotland, becoming a player/manager, and beyond.It's always a pleasure to have Tom on the podcast and this became an hour of celebration of, and adoration for, a player who is conceivably the best footballer to come out of Scotland, but whose story is about much more than simply the game.For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer, broadcaster and campaigner Darren McGarvey (also known as rapper Loki) to talk about his book and live show, Trauma Industrial Complex, and the album Not Funded By Creative Scotland, which are three central strands of the same multi-media project, and the two discuss just how they work together, but also stand alone.Darren talks about the challenges of taking the show to the Fringe, but why it was important to do so, before talking about the differences, and similitude, in writing the book, album, and for a live performance, and the responses to each.The two then discuss each strand in detail - how the album was recorded, the research behind the book, the difference between committing words to the page, and saying them on stage, and where his love of language comes from.Darren explains what the Trauma Industrial Complex is, talks about the contradiction at the heart of the book, the difference between sharing and oversharing, the freedom that his music brings, and why. He also reflects on the changes in Scotland's hip-hop community over the years, and what being nominated for Best Hip Hop artist for this year's Scottish Alternative Music Awards means.It was a privilege and a pleasure to be able to sit down with Darren and talk about not only his current work, but also to reflect on his varied and rightly celebrated past, and to consider the future. SWH! consider him one of Scotland's most thoughtful, reflective, and necessary, cultural figures, and we hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as we did recording it.For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to to choreographer and dancer Himadri Madan to hear all about The Gaze – you, me, us, and them a new interactive installation with live performances which premieres at The Tramway in Glasgow on November 22nd before it goes to The Studio, Capital Theatre in Edinburgh on 28th February in the new year.Himadri expands on the brief description above, before breaking down the title, talking about the themes and ideas explored, the inspirations behind it, its academic origins, and just what audiences can expect.The two then talk about how The Gaze relates to Himadari's previous work, the importance of collaboration, and her continued work as part of Theiya Arts, before she tells her own engaging story about how she game to dance and choreography.Himadri Madan is among the most exciting voices in theatre today, and it was fascinating to learn about the ideas behind The Gaze – you, me, us, and them, and the practicalities and challenges in bringing such a personal piece to the stage.For full details, including all the ways to listen, head to scotswhayhae.com